NYU.edu requires JavaScript be enabled in your browser in order to use important features of the site. JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. For instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser, click here.

Bread Crumbs

Sub Navigation

Study Abroad Career Resources

Whether you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, the benefits of a global educational experience are great and often a once in a lifetime experience. The transferable skills you garner from a study abroad experience, including language ability, global and cultural awareness, and maturity, rank high among the skills employers seek in candidates.

Study Abroad Tips

A study abroad experience will have an impact on your part-time, summer, or full-time job search. We encouarage students to recognize the importance of positioning yourself to obtain a rewarding work experience upon your return.

Before You Leave

Meet with a career coach for a job search and networking strategy session.

Update your resume and cover letter and have them critiqued by a career coach.

Update your NYU CareerNet profile.

Sign up for the Wasserman Center career eNewsletters to receive important career-related information via email while you are away.

Arrange informational interviews to make an initial introduction to potential employers.

While You Are Abroad

Stay connected with the Wasserman Center by participating in a remote career coaching appointment via Skype.

Keep in contact with job-related contacts, so you can take advantage of this network upon your return.

Identify transferable skills and new skills that you are developing while you are abroad, including language, adaptability, flexibility, maturity, and cultural sensitivity.

Experience the international work culture while you are abroad by keeping abreast of industry news in your host country and speaking to your site director about the possibility of arranging an internship or volunteer experience with an organization that interests you.

Consider arranging a cluster of interviews and flying home for a few days especially if you are spending two semesters abroad and it is financially feasible. Make sure to confirm the interviews before you invest in this option.

Interning and Working Abroad

Short-term Paid Opportunities

A short-term overseas job, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to about six months, is an economic way to experience another culture while you earn your way through an adventure abroad. The typical job you can expect to obtain varies from working in a restaurant/hotel, an office, a shop, as an au pair or working outdoors. Keep in mind that although the job may not necessarily relate to your long-term career goals you will develop effective transferable job skills.

Internships

An international internship can provide you with training related to your college major and career goals. Internships are available in practically every country in the world for most industries, although these opportunities are very competitive. The benefits include being immersed in an international atmosphere, gaining a competitive advantage in the international job market, and having the opportunity to learn valuable and transferable job skills.

Volunteer

Volunteering abroad is a very attractive and viable option for many students. It is particularly good for acquiring experience with humanitarian or service-oriented organizations and scientific expeditions. Overseas volunteer positions may be short-term, lasting anywhere from two weeks to six months, or long-term, lasting one or two years. The opportunities you seek will depend on the country of your choice, your available resources (time, money, etc.) and your flexibility.

Permission to Work

You are required to have, in your possession, a work permit in order to be legally employed in the country of your choice. When going through a formal program to find a position, they will assist you in the process of obtaining these papers. However, when finding something on your own, you will need to do the research to determine what the guidelines are for the country in which you are planning to work.

Other Considerations

The work permit will be the primary document you will need to work overseas, however, you will also need to consider other things, such as, your ability to conduct business in the country's primary language, obtaining or renewing your current passport, securing the visa, health insurance, money and finding a place to live when you get there. As you research the programs that may be appropriate for you, explore with them whether or not they cover some of the expenses for the aforementioned. Some programs may include the costs for insurance, securing the visa and housing in their fees. In most cases, you will be responsible for airfare and survival funds (recommended $800 to $1000).

Virtual Career Coaching Appointments

The Wasserman Center's virtual career coaching service allows students at NYU Global sites to participate in a web-based video career coaching appointment with one of our career coaches at the Wasserman Center in New York. To schedule a Skype appointment, log in to NYU CareerNet and click "Request a Counseling Appointment" and provide your Skype name.

Virtual Chat via NYU CareerNet

Students can have their questions answered in real time by having a virtual chat with a career coach. To access the virtual chat feature, log in to NYU CareerNet and click "Chat with a Career Coach". Virtual chat is available Mondays, 2:30pm-4pm; Tuesdays, 12pm-1:30pm, and Thursdays, 3:30pm-5pm, EST.

GOINGLOBAL

GOINGLOBAL is a country-specific career and employment database containing more than 80,000 pages of constantly-updated information on topics such as: work permit/visa regulations, resume writing guidelines and examples, employment trends, salary ranges, networking groups and cultural/interviewing advice. World-wide job openings, internship listings, and corporate profiles are also included. Log in to NYU CareerNet > Resources.

The NYU Mentor Network consists gives students access to NYU alumni who have overseas experience. The program is a great resource for learning about a particular culture as well as country specific job search and recruitment strategies.